The Political Economy of Gaza
In memory of Mahmoud Fattouh
Things that aren’t allowed to enter Gaza:
Anesthetics
Analgesics
Ventilators
Oxygen cylinders
X-ray machines
Crutches
Wheelchairs
Insulin pens
Sanitary pads
Maternity tests
Water filtration systems
Water purification tablets
Sleeping bags
Dates
Strawberries
Things that are in short supply in Gaza:
All of the above
Also:
Food of any kind
Water
Medicines of all kinds
Fuel
Electricity
Internet service
Intact buildings
Intact families
Intact cemeteries
Functioning hospitals
Doctors
Aid workers
Reporters
Hope
Confidence that anyone cares
Food that is available in Gaza:
Cattle feed
Bird feed
Grass
Leaves
Things that are plentiful in Gaza:
Rubble
Death
Martyrs
Orphans
WCNSFs
Amputees
Unexploded ordinance
Exploded ordinance
Collective punishment
Pain
Suffering
Grief
Trauma
Despair
Outrage at the world’s indifference
Also:
Heroism
Self-sacrifice
Solidarity
Steadfastness
Fortitude
Dignity
Resilience
Determination to survive
Determination to remain in Gaza
Determination never to forget
By Steve Babb
Biography:
Steve Babb is a 65-year-old retired public health worker who has fought for social justice all his life.
He has written poems on a variety of social justice struggles, including Central America solidarity/anti-intervention, antiracism, immigrant detention, and the movement against the genocide in Gaza.
He has been inspired by the poetry of witness of Anna Akhmatova, Roque Dalton, Carolyn Forché, Clint Smith, and Javier Zamora, and by the lyrics of Rosana Arbelo and Silvio Rodríquez.